OJ Simpson Murder Trial Drama And Shogun Adaptation Projects In The Works At Fox

Earlier this year, we learned that Fox was adding on to its long form event series development slate with projects from M. Night Shyamalan and Band of Brothers' Bruce McKenna. Joining Shyamalan's Wayward Pines and McKenna's Bloodbrothers among the miniseries Fox has in the works are Shogun and The Run of his Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson (working title).

Shogun is based on James Clavell's novel and tells the story of English adventurer John Blackthorne. Set in the 17th Century, the story follows the sailor as he rises from outsider to samurai in Japan, while being used as a pawn in Japanese leader Toranaga's attempt to climb the ranks of the ruling chain, or "Shogun." There's also a romantic aspect of the story as Blackthorne falls for Toranaga's wife Lady Mariko. There's definite potential for a miniseries adaptation of the novel, and an exciting one.

The O.J. Simpson project is written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and will look behind the scenes of O.J. Simpson's murder trial back in the 90s, "driven by the nonstop plot of the courtroom thriller and presenting the story of the trial as it has never been told." We couldn't look away when Simpson's trial was taking place nearly two decades ago (yes, it's been almost that long). Would the same be the case for a miniseries based on those events? We may find out. And if things move forward, it'll certainly be interesting to see who's cast to play Simpson.

Fox says they'll order their first event series later this season with the aim to debut in 2014. With two more projects in contention, it looks like the network will have some interesting projects to choose from when it comes time to give the green light.